New details surrounding Dennis Haskins’ health have been revealed after his death at the age of 75.
Haskins’ friend and caretaker Kimberly Snow confirmed to The New York Times that the Saved By the Bell actor had been in an assisted living facility since he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease eight years ago.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson’s is a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time. Symptoms, such as slurred speech, get worse over time.
Snow also confirmed that Haskins died on Sunday, September 27, in Burbank, California. His official cause of death has yet to be revealed.
“It’s a tragic loss,” his spokesperson confirmed to Us on Monday, September 28. “Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis, loved him even more.”
Haskins originated the role of Bayside High School’s Principal Richard Belding on the short-lived teen comedy Good Morning, Miss Bliss in 1988. The sitcom was revamped as Saved by the Bell the following year and aired from 1989 to 1993 on NBC. He was featured in all 86 episodes of the show.
In his later years, Haskins was a regular at a local bar called Dimples Karaoke. His caretaker was a bartender at the establishment until it closed in 2014.
“About eight years ago, he became ill. He had been silent about his fight with Parkinson’s, among other health concerns, because he did not want the attention,” Dimples Karaoke wrote via Instagram on Monday. “He did not want to have to tell people. He would say, ‘What do I even say?’ So I respected his wishes and stayed quiet, and I helped him through his journey into the next chapter of his life.”
The statement continued, “Late last night, that journey ended for him. He is now at peace and is probably entertaining the people in the sky. Just know that if you tried to reach out to him in the last few years, I did read your messages to him, and you were heard. After I said my final goodbyes to him last night, I was across the hall signing some paperwork. I looked up and saw that the room he had been in was a gift from the Mario Lopez Golf Classic, and somehow, that made me feel a little better. What a cool and amazing life he had. Rest in peace, Dennis. You were very much loved and will never be forgotten.”
Since his death was confirmed, many costars have shared their fond memories working with Haskins.
“Knowing Dennis Haskins for almost 40 years has been one of the truest blessings of my life, which makes losing him hurt so deeply,” Lark Voorhies wrote via Instagram on Monday. “We shared so much history together from our earliest days, and through it all, he remained a fabulous person, a loyal friend, and someone with such a kind, gentle heart.”
